BMW introduced the Z3 to the market in 1995. The car appeared in the film “Golden Eye” of the James Bond franchise, where it was driven by Pierce Brosnan. I know, it’s not the best Bond ever, but it was the first one where the main character had to drive this German car to promote it.
Fast forward to 1997 and the M Roadster was launched. Unlike its European sibling, which was powered by the S50B32 engine and produced 321 bhp (317 bhp), the American version featured the S52 engine which only produced 243 bhp (240 bhp). This difference was caused by different emission standards. BMW couldn’t make its best inline-six engine US compliant, so it came up with a lower-powered version that helped the automaker sell the car on the left side of the pond.
So when I saw this little roadster, I was reminded of the times I tested the European-spec version of the Z3 M Roadster. It was great to drive. In addition to its powerful, rev-happy engine, it had the right suspension to tackle a twisty road, huggable seats and a precise shifter that sat inches away from the steering wheel. The incredible feedback the car provided was incredible. Its 17″ light-alloy wheels with 225/45 front and 245/40 rear tires were grippy. Still, it wasn’t difficult to initiate a drift or control it. Fortunately, I drove it on a track of racing, so I didn’t put anyone in danger. It would be an understatement to say it was like a Miata on steroids. I’d rather say it was like an S2000 on steroids. And I love that Honda rocket roadster.
The car you see here, however, does not have the same engine as the one I was driving. Instead, it runs on the extremely reliable but less powerful S52 power plant. It has the same great sound of the M’s inline-six engines. Plus, it’s mated to the same ZF five-speed manual, and yes, it has a limited-slip differential. Also… there is no fixed lid. Just a retractable one, which can be manually deployed and hidden behind the cabin.
Photo: mbodio/Bring a Trailer
Part of the Z3 M Roadster package is a pair of excellent seats that keep occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers, retractable seat belts and a chunky steering wheel sporting a small M badge. The same logo can see inside the tachometer, above the letter “roadster”. More indicators can be seen below HVAC dials, showing oil temperature, amps and a clock.
Also, the look of the car is unlike any other Z3. It features 86 millimeters (3.4″) wider rear fenders and a specific front spoiler with larger air intakes on the apron. Additionally, the automaker installed a pair of vents behind the steps from the front wheels adorned by a chrome strip and the M. A badge at the back, the little roadster has a quad exhaust system, with two pipes on each side of the car, which reach under the bumper.
As for the brakes, the Z3 M Roadster has 286 mm (11.25″) front and 272 mm (10.7″) rotors in the rear. They help the car stop on a dime. Finally, the suspension is 10mm (0.4”) lower than the rest of the Z3 range and features unique springs and dampers.
The seller claims that in 2000, when this car was made, there were only 762 units made in this combination of Estoril Blue on Estoril Blue and Black Nappa leather for the North American continent. They bought it in April 2022 and paid $25,000 for it. Meanwhile, they put about 1,500 miles (2,400 km) on it and the car’s total mileage is only 46,000 (74,000 km), which is nothing for this vehicle. They also replaced the subwoofer with the Harman Kardon CD stereo. They also spent $144 (tax included) for an original two-container cup holder.
Photo: mbodio/Bring a Trailer
They are selling this beauty because they are moving to Colorado. In the Mile High City, this naturally aspirated powerhouse will lose more of its ponies. Also, if they want to go to Boulder or, worse, Pikes Peak, they won’t be able to enjoy the full capabilities of this car. I know my old Cherokee XJ felt slow when I drove into the clouds.
But nevertheless, this car can still bring joy and fun to those who drive it closer to sea level. And frankly, this is a classic that can still keep up with many sports cars today. Its value is increasing, and only 15,322 vehicles were built. Of these, 4,338 were sold in the US in 2000. This is one of them.
